ti2xguer This pattern has been challenging. I did not have access to a printer so had to do it with paper, measuring and a lot of colorful language, but got it. LOL But I think it was worth it. I really like the pattern.

MelodyP

All your blocks are beautiful - I had so many problems with the one block - aggravated me - to no end - I hate patterns that aren't written correctly and that one left a lot to be desired - patterns there are usually very good too as I have used many of their's. I will continue to work on these though as I am a perfectionist...and this group is all about learning... so give me your tips and tricks and I'll give you mine.

Leslie - beautiful block... Debbie - beautiful block - I don't have to tell Barbara as I tell her over the Skype connection but will say it here too - her blocks are beautiful - she listens to me complain everyday - so sweet she is.

All the blocks are beautiful and I know I am forgetting someone so please forgive this old lady.

oh help. I am a newbie at paper piecing too. I just have one question. i am doing the snow blossoms block and have downloaded the templates. i cut along the lines. question is do i have to add my 1/4" seam allowance to every piece before i cut out my pieces. i am findin this very imtimidating. thank you for your help.

lynnkonkin oh help. i am new at paper piecing. my question is do i have to add a 1/4" seam allowance to each piece after i ut along he template lines.
thank you
In the instructions it refers to Practice Paper Piecing click on that and it will show you how to PP and explain the 1/4" seam. Also Thea has written a wonderful explanation.

MelodyP

Melody, when you cut out a pattern for paper piecing - the outside needs a 1/4" added to it. The inside pieces you sew right on those lines...

How I prepare a piece for paper piecing...

First I print the pattern out - then I fold each line both directions.

The I get the fabrics that I am going to use.

I fold that pattern so that I can see #1 and I take my fabric for #1 and make sure that the piece is big enough to cover the area plus at least 1/4" all the way around it...

Then I fold the pattern so that I can just see #2 - sometimes you have to fold other pieces back and inside so that just the #2 spot is showing and it can be difficult but you do it to the best you can...

After that I get the fabric for #2 - I put it on the wrong side of the paper and make sure the pieces again are 1/4' bigger all the way around.

I do this for each piece that I need...

Then the sewing begins...

I take that #1 fabric and I use a spot of glue and put it on the back side of the pattern - so the printed side is up - I hold it up to the light and make sure that I can see the fabric all the way around the area that needs to be covered...

I then fold on the line for #2... I lay the #2 piece of fabric on top of #1 fabric - right sides together - I fold that paper back wards over the fabrics and make sure that the paper now covers up the #2 piece of fabric - that way I know whether I have laid the fabric in the right direction... I then let the paper go back to normal - turn the whole thing over so now the printed side of the pattern is up and the fabric is underneath...

I then sew on the line - from point to point - I never go over lines unless they are outside lines...

I then cut my thread and take the piece out - I turn it over and pull the #2 fabric over so I can now see the right side of both pieces - I hold it up to the light to make sure that I can see the pattern through it and that #1 and #2 fabrics cover the spots they need to cover...

I now turn it back over and fold that line back where the next fabric is to go - #3... I then lay it down so that whichever fabric it is to be sewn to - #1 or #2 shows beyond this folded edge - you have to have some fabric here and If I don't then I go back to that seam I just did - take it out and redo it as I have to have fabric here...

I then cut this fabric with my ruler so that it just hangs over by 1/4"... then then turn it over so fabric side is up - the pattern is straightened out and I put #3 fabric right sides together on - matching that edge - I know that I will have the 1/4" as I have done the preparation for this - I then fold the pattern back over top and make sure that the #3 spot fits within the #3 fabric all the way around...

I let the pattern go back to normal - turn over so I see the printed side of the pattern and sew on #3 line... after sewing I turn over - flatten out the #3 fabric - check to make sure that it covered the #3 area with some extra over the lines...

and I continue on - doing each section this way.

The next one I do I'll take pictures so that you can see my work step by step... I know that a picture tells way more then trying to figure it out with words...

I am going to try and redo that one I am unhappy with today to get it to 12" but I am not going to promise - I am not sure my body is ready yet for me to sew - but I'll try... I have some repetitive actions that I do each step of the way but I very seldom have to undo a seam by having the material not cover what it needs to and I find that I get the pieces in the right direction this way too - I trim every seam after I sew it to 1/4" also so that I don't have a bunch of bulk ... I'll try and show that step with the pictures.